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Topic: Another newbie (Read 1551 times)

The last few weeks I have been reading lots of posts and information on this forum in preparation of receiving my new hive. Last night I received my new hive so I thought I would finally sign up here and be ready to ask lots of questions. I had a hive set-up for me early last year but unfortunately lost it to SHB early this year. After reading plenty on this forum I believe that I may have caused the loss by putting back the frames after honey extraction. I am determined to have more success this time around.

There are certainly a lot of bees in the hive now and they all seem to be working hard. I took the top off yesterday for a quick inspection just to make sure they weren't simply lazing around.

I have been told by the local apiary that I should change the lid from a telescopic to a migratory one. Apparently this will allow more bees to fit in the hive on top of the frames and in turn allow the bees more access to chase beetles. Does anyone have any opinions to share on this?

I have another video of the hive inspection yesterday. This inspection led to a very interesting afternoon and what will become a steep learning curve for me I think. I'll get the video up later on today (hopefully).

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I may have caused the loss by putting back the frames after honey extraction.

I had the same thing happen to me - lost 2 of my 3 hives in my 1st year due to SHB because we put sticky combs back on them - never again.I have also taken to foundationless frames and have found it better in reducing SHB numbers.

Wow - they built up quick in a week - you definitely need to super that one!

Quote from: ShaneJ

I have been told by the local apiary that I should change the lid from a telescopic to a migratory one. Apparently this will allow more bees to fit in the hive on top of the frames and in turn allow the bees more access to chase beetles. Does anyone have any opinions to share on this?

I have all migratory lids, mainly because that's what the hives had when I got them, and it seems to be the standard around these parts. As there is a gap in the lid it does help to know when to add a super - if they're building comb in the lid it time to add a super!

In your foundationless frames do you still use wire to help support the building of comb?

No, I don't use wire anymore - you can (and I have) but I don't worry about it anymore.If you want more strength and support for the combs you can add a vertical support eg a piece of wood running vertically to split the frame in 2.